Destination Weddings: 3 Things to Know Before You Go
Getting engaged and planning a wedding is one of the most exciting times of your life. But it can also be hectic and stressful! If you and your boo have chosen to tie the knot with a destination wedding, it can be even tougher to make decisions and manage the planning process.
These 3 uncommonly known tips will help ensure a smooth-sailing, stress-free experience for your out-of-town nuptials!
1. Choosing a Date
You and your partner may have already settled on a date that has some important significance to you, or maybe you’re polling friends and family members to see when it’s best for them to travel to take part in your big day. This will be your anniversary, after all, and you probably want it to be meaningful to your relationship, or realistic for those important to you to be able to join you.
Most resorts keep a live calendar of available wedding dates for each season. If you already have a date in mind or are going back and forth between a few, check availability with your desired resort as soon as possible. Oftentimes, resorts may book their calendars up to 2 years in advance! Getting on the same page with your resort’s availability, and being able to track any changes in real-time, can prevent heartache or panic down the road if your desired date isn’t available. Your chosen resort will likely connect you with their in-house event coordinator who can help you figure this out. If not, ask them for a link or access to their live calendar so you can choose your date accordingly.
2. Check the Laws!
Each country has different laws in place regarding the legality of your pending nuptials. For example, many countries require the couple be in the country for at least 48 hours prior to their ceremony, which doesn’t include your travel date.
The last thing you want is to show up for your wedding week or weekend, and find out that your marriage may not be legal due to your arrival date. When planning and arranging your travel accommodations, make sure you have a great understanding of what’s required in your desired country so you can get there in time to make it official - officially!
3. You May Get a Discounted Rate for Site Visits!
If you plan on visiting your chosen destination or resort for a site visit prior to the wedding, make sure you let the resort know of your intention when scheduling that trip. Not only will this help ensure that an event coordinator is available to give you a tour of the facilities and answer all your questions, but it can also earn you a discounted rate during your site visit or your wedding trip!
Every brand and resort has different guidelines surrounding this. For example, Sandals Resorts offer couples a discounted nightly rate of $250, and if they end up booking their wedding at the resort, they get an additional bonus credit (min, 4 days/3 nights) for the return trip for the wedding. Check with your resort’s event coordinator, or with scheduling staff prior to your site visit to make sure you’re taking advantage of any additional perks!
While you may experience a hiccup or two, your wedding day will be perfect no matter what because you get to marry your best friend. However, keeping these tips in mind will help you reduce the risk of stressful surprises so you can fully immerse yourself in your special day!
If you’re interested in packing up to say “I do” in a dreamy destination, I’d love to help! Click here to request a consultation.
Rosalyn Cooper,
Founder + Lead Travel Consultant, Social Butterfly Express
